Team USA Gymnastics is serving as a motivator for Mississippi gymnasts

JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) – Team USA Gymnastics is proving to be a highlight of the Paris Olympic Games.


The men’s team secured a bronze medal in the team finals Monday, and all eyes are on the women who topped the podium with gold in team finals Tuesday.

There’s excitement just watching the competition, but for some Mississippi gymnasts, it’s pushing them to new heights.

We visited Courthouse Gymnastics Co. in Flowood, where students dressed in their own version of red, white, and blue leotards prepared for competitions.

“They come in four or five days a week, almost 20 hours a week,” explained Courthouse Gymnastics Co. co-owner Mario Gonzalez. “And that’s just what it takes.”

The televised events and the lead-up to them have gotten the girls thinking ahead.

“I went to the Olympic trials, and we were a little farther off, but watching them made me get really inspired to work harder in the gym,” noted Alex Burkhard.

“My dream is probably to be the next Simone Biles,” admits Elizabeth Benslar.

Simone Biles may be setting records but some of the girls brought up other members of Team USA as their favorites. Still, there was plenty of praise for Biles.

While most of us are watching in awe, the girls at Courthouse Gymnastics Co. are analyzing their every move.

“When I learn new skills, I like to watch it,” said Blakely Lott. “So it’s like, ‘Oh, I could do better at this or that. So I like to watch and learn how to do certain skills. Then it’s cool to watch like, ‘Hey, I’ve learned to do that skill now and I used to not be able to.’”

However, the biggest takeaway from watching those women compete at the highest level seemed to be the work ethic. Here’s what some of the students said about the added motivation.

“I literally told my mom, I was like, ‘That just makes me want to go to the gym and do gymnastics now,’” noted Addlyn Pipper.

“I’m gonna get to the Olympics one day,” said Laura Vaiden. “And I just, the next day at gym, I’m like, alright, tomorrow, you’re gonna work hard.”

“Just for a goal for myself, is to see how close I could be to going,” added Alex Burkhard.

Olympics or not, these gymnasts will keep up the work.

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